JISC

Overview

Workforce engagement in lifelong learning (WELL) will develop, implement and evaluate a model for module/unit delivery and assessment which integrates personal, organisational (of the employer) and institutional technologies that will support personalised learning and also satisfy University accreditation and progression requirements. The model will be piloted with learners from our Escalate programme, engaged on programmes through their employer in two Academic Schools at the University of Bradford.  

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Aims

To create a model of programme delivery that can be used on any academic programme to encourage greater participation from learners in employment in a range of industries and business sectors, with a flexible approach that fits around employer and student needs rather than institutional timeframes and structures.

Objectives

The project will:

• review current practice of HE delivery in the workplace, including use of technology
• review APEL policy/procedures and its application in work-based programmes
• evaluate use of ePortfolio tools and APEL resources in a work-based learning context
• develop a model of technology-supported delivery of lifelong and workplace learning offering flexibility of place and pace
• pilot and evaluate the model with two groups of workplace learners
• share and disseminate findings across the sector and among employers/employer intermediaries

Project methodology

Initially the Project Officer will focus on gathering current practice, research, review and evaluation of materials with support from the academic schools and the Centre for Academic Practice. In the later stages the emphasis will shift towards working directly with learners and their employers, developing and testing approaches to delivery and support in the workplace. The Project Officer will continually liaise with relevant parts of the University to ensure the emerging model is feasible and can inform development of the University’s systems and processes. The project will not be developing new technologies, but will draw upon existing learning approaches/technologies and adapt these as appropriate, particularly those from previous JISC projects.

Anticipated outputs and outcomes

• Model of technology-supported delivery of lifelong and workplace learning
• Case studies of the model in use on two academic programmes
• Institutional guidance for the delivery of lifelong learning programmes with flexible programme length and assessment processes
• Individual learner guidance on work-based learning
• Evaluation of previously funded JISC projects to share with other UK HE institutions

Lead Institution

• University of Bradford

Project partners

• West Yorkshire Lifelong Learning Network